Bruno César admits leaving Benfica to join Al-Ahli for financial gain

Bruno César has admitted that his move from Benfica to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli was largely motivated by financial gain, but has refuted suggestions he is a "mercenary".

The 24-year-old recently left Portugal for the Egyptian giants for an undisclosed fee, where he signed a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Bruno César has defended his decision to move to Asia, but accepted that he has limited his options in the short-term for the lucrative rewards.

"I am no mercenary," he told Renascenca on Wednesday. "It is a very good contract. It will provide me and my family with great financial stability.

"There are two sides to the coin. It will be a much more tranquil life financially, but sports-wise it will distance me from my objectives which are the national team, playing in Europe and the Champions League, and being among the best clubs in the world."

The Brazil international, who left Brazilian side Corinthians in 2011, made his debut for the Seleção in 2011 and has made one additional appearance for the national side since then.